Harnessing Discipline can be challenging for some and easier for others. Lately, I’ve felt demotivated in certain aspects of life resulting in discipline levels decreasing. Weeks ago I had got into a rhythm of getting to bed before 10.30pm. Setting the alarm, keeping the phone at two arms length whilst falling asleep to a guided meditation. Rising early before 8am in order to hop onto a treadmill at the Gym by 8.30am. I was going at full swing. However, I’ve slowed down now and entering a so called ‘Lazy Girl Era’ what many YouTubers like Hailey Gamba are emphasising the need to shake it off. A thought just hit me, maybe I am doing more than I actually believe. Like all the times I showed up for my family, showed up for myself by practicing joyful activities, ticking off repetitive tasks, reviewing finances, plus emails and the list goes on.
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Whether we choose to do good or bad in our actions we are subconsciously practicing discipline. For example if a smoker decides to smoke on every lunch break they’re allocated. They have disciplined their mind and most likely every action leading up to that lunch break to get their work done on time so a cigarette can be enjoyed without interruptions. The same way Slave Auctioneers had the discipline to sell Black Slaves and separate Mothers from their children without giving righteousness a second thought. Same way when you are not completing a task you know you should do you are disciplining your mind not to do it going foward.
I think being disciplined is important as well as mastering your mind by questioning belief systems around the things you do and why you are doing it. Because our actions or lack of actions has the ability of being detrimental to ourselves or others if we don’t re-evaluate them. Sometimes we can get lost in our disciplined ways if we fail to do this.
COLEY
What’s your motive?
Getting clear on your motives then deciding what steps you need to do in order to arrive at a highly disciplined status can install a new urge and energy in you. Is your motive to be financially better off, not rely on anyone, be more likeable, be happier, be lighter in body weight, be fitter so you can pick up heavier items without struggling.
No matter what your motive is we have to try and imprint that in the mind and remind ourselves this in moments when we feel less disciplined.
Good and bad Habits create discipline
Sometimes good habits and vice versa cause us to be disciplined differently.
Sometimes we just need to be in the present moment to remain disciplined and repel the destructive thoughts from past experiences that arise from the subconscious.
Coley
Furthermore, discipline goes beyond one’s actions, its stretches to how we speak to others and to ourselves.
Internal and external triggers can automatically adjust our level of discipline. So be aware of how to cope when this occurs.
What if we considered the consequences of not being disciplined will that pull us more towards the achievement we desire?
Pause: Think of 10 ways you practiced discipline this week.
Thus some examples are:
- Being punctual for work
- Drinking water
- Being respectful
- Turning off electrical switches after use
- Reading a chapter in a book
- Hanging up clothes to dry immediately after the washing cycle is completed.
- Taking supplements
- Praying
On the other hand, being aware of the areas you lack discipline too can support a positive change and reset some behaviours. Just ensure you do your best to not slip back into the bad habits again.
Can too much discipline cripple you?
Alternatively, can too much discipline make us rigid and very robotic? I think it all depends on how you behave around your disciplined ways. Are you panicking to get things done or on edge (extremely self conscious) to be a certain way. Or are you relaxed and fully enjoying everything on your action plan and just allowing it to flow and get done naturally.
Harnessing Discipline – Relying on others
Finding people who are disciplined in areas you’re drawn too can support your journey to healthy discipline. Ask them for tips, set a challenge or aim together and ask them to hold you accountable (choose an accountability partner). There’s no going back!
To summarise, harnessing discipline is a choice. Discipline can be resuscitated with one recurring positive thought that drives you to do the action without negotiating your way out of it. Try the 3 second rule, counting to 3 and starting that task. Even when it feels uncomfortable talk yourself into doing it because you will feel so glad afterwards.
Can you spare a few minutes? Check out ‘Lessons Learnt from Donna Fraser’ a Black British Athlete who was relentless in her discipline to become great at sport.
